Although the modern world is made of cement, its production is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases. Therefore, finding ways to improve its durability and safety is paramount.
In a new study from Princeton University, scientists turned to the humble oyster and its iridescent composite mother-of-pearl.
By comparing the characteristics of mother of pearl at a microscopic level, the researchers were able to increase the strength of the cement by about 17 times compared to a regular cement block.
Scientists are always looking for ways to make normally fragile materials, such as concrete or ceramics, stronger, safer and more durable. This time they found inspiration from one of the most unlikely places - the extremely durable shells of oysters.
One of the best-known attributes of these saltwater bivalves is the iridescent nacre of composite material that covers the inner layer of the animal's shell. Although this material has long been available in jewelry stores around the world, mother-of-pearl is also an architectural wonder. It contains microscopic hexagonal “pills” made of aragonite (one of the most common, naturally occurring forms of calcium carbonate) held together by a soft biopolymer, a sort of organic glue.